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5 Players Needing To Step Up In Blake Griffin’s Absence

By Kyle Tomasi

Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) takes a breather during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) takes a breather during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) dribbles up the court during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

J.J. Redick

J.J. Redick has been one of the most consistent players for the Clippers since joining the team in 2013. He is currently averaging 15.1 points per game and has averaged at least 15 points per game the last five seasons.

The 3-point specialist will see a heightened workload while Griffin is out. Redick will need to continue to run off screens from center DeAndre Jordan and knock down an extra three-pointer or two each game.

This seemed to work quite well against the Nuggets as he poured in 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting.

With Griffin’s absence, floor spacing could be a little harder to come by. His unique ability to stretch the floor at the power forward position has proven very successful for the Clippers. This allows wider driving lanes which results in drive-and-kicks.

Redick has been able to feed off screens and others’ penetration, so with Griffin sidelined, can Redick stay hot?

If anything, Redick will need to draw attention from others such as Pierce, Bass, Chris Paul and Austin Rivers. Shot making ability will prove key for the Clippers as they move forward for a month or so.

If Redick can continue to knock down shots, the Clippers will have a shot at staying among the top five in the West.

The Clippers went 30-15 without Griffin last season but they certainly don’t want to have to go without him for long. He is so valuable in the offense and putting pressure on players like Redick could be tough moving forward.

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